Quick-Moving Blood Infection Kills 22-Year-Old College Student

NEW ORLEANS – A 22-year-old Dillard University student died Friday as the result of a rare blood infection that strikes quickly and can cause death within two days, the Times-Picayune newspaper reports.

Dillard spokeswoman Karen Celestan said she could not release the name of the student, citing the family's request for privacy.

New Orleans Health Department Director Kevin Stephens said the bloodstream infection, which is related to the meningitis family and causes flu-like symptoms and a rash in its early stages, is difficult to treat because it moves quickly, but some vaccines are effective.

Students are encouraged to get a meningitis vaccine and to wash hands frequently, cover the mouth when coughing and sneezing and refrain from sharing personal items such as razors.